Organic farmer Oliver Dowding has been appointed as the Green Party’s new spokesperson on agriculture.
The newly defined post is an expression of the party’s desire to connect with farmers and have a stronger profile on agricultural issues.
Dowding has farmed in south-east Somerset for nearly 40 years, the last 26 as an organic farmer. Over time he has kept dairy cattle, beef cattle, grown arable and vegetable crops and more. Currently he has grassland and arable crops only. For nearly all this time he has been certified by the Soil Association and is currently a trustee on its Council.
Commenting on his appointment, he says: “The Green Party has a long history of support for family farmers, who are currently struggling with the turmoil resulting from extreme retail pressures, which in turn are exacerbated by both highly volatile international finance and commodity markets.
“The party appreciates the need to have flexible policies to cope with the rapidly changing requirements placed upon agriculture by both the market, consumer demands and expectations, as well as politicians. We are very fortunate to have an excellent MEP in the South West, Molly Scott Cato, who is a member of the EU Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
“Whilst the EU is far from perfect, it’s crucial that we remain part of a more democratic Europe”
“I echo the stance of The Green Party and have no doubt that agriculture would be poorly served if we were not within the EU. Whilst the EU is far from perfect, it’s crucial that we remain part of a more democratic Europe, and is essential if farmers are to retain access to vital markets, and also be able to source crucially needed labourers from within Europe.”
